COUNCIL bosses have urged dog owners to take their pets for a walk to improve their health.

Wrexham County Borough Council chiefs said walking a pooch not only exercises it mentally and physically it improves owners’ fitness and can help weight loss.

A Wrexham council spokeswoman said: “From helping to lower blood pressure to reducing stress, walking a dog is a great way to burn off a few calories and meet new friends.

“What’s more, as well as improving your physical fitness, dog walking can also improve your immune system and self-esteem.

“A number of recent studies have shown dogs have a wealth of therapeutic benefits for humans and that getting families to be more physically active as a whole improves group dynamics, increases family cohesion and significantly increases motivation.”